Inaugural SSPC Back to School NO COST * (health fund rebate– no gap) Podiatry Footwear Assessment and Prescription day
Firstly – some essential reading for you and your kids feet!
Gearing up for the New Year with kids and feet? Consider these factors
1. Your child will spend up to 30 hours per week in school shoes
2. this means around 15,000 hours total at school in school shoes
3. school years are the key time for foot growth and development
4. the average foot will grow 17 sizes over their entire schooling period
Shoe selection and prescription is clearly a pretty important component in foot health. Here are some of the things that I rate as very important for parents to consider.
· Correct sizing. Shoes are expensive and we all want to have the shoe last as long as possible. Too big however, means toes will ‘grip’ at the shoe. Holding out too long prior to replacement means cramped and reduced range of motion in joints – both poor outcomes in the developing foot.
· Shoe structure. It is a game of trade offs – longevity often means a heavier, overly structured shoe, lighter means they often fall apart faster. Most primary schools use runners – there is no question a school shoe lasts a lot longer, but will the kids wear them at Primary school? Unlikely. If you are looking for longevity – opt for a Cross Trainer. In this space New Balance and Asics cross trainers are very hard to beat.
· Sporty kid? Think about picking up a 2nd pair of shoes and alternating. Pick the shoe after 1st term (they are often cheaper then) – alternating shoes will ensure better lifespan of both pairs AND gives you the option of going for a ‘stock/durable’ day to day shoe and the second shoe being more a running shoe for school sport, after school etc.
· Specialty retailer in fitting kids. Please contact me and I can provide you with the best fitters in your area by shoe style.
· Teenagers. Rapid growth often gives off heel pain. If you have some history here, opt for a 10-12mm ‘drop’ in your shoe choice. There is some debate as to whether younger kids are set up for problems down the track such as heel pain by having an overly high ‘drop’ from a younger age.
Which shoes do I prefer?
I have 3 kids, I understand ‘bill shock’ and the tradeoff with longevity and support.
Primary school – one shoe strategy will lean toward a cross trainer – NB 761, ASICS 190TR are good choices. If black shoes are preferred, it is hard to go past the Ascent Apex shoes for a sport shoe disguised as a school shoe. I personally purchase one shoe now, and a second mid year which I then alternate subject to growth.
Secondary school – yes the girls will want the Harrison Indiana (T-bars). They are a particularly poor shoe in my opinion, but peer group pressure is tough – good luck parents! Typically I will use a slimline Superfeet insole in the T-bars to provide some neutral postural support turning a flat hard 2D surface into a 3D one to suit the foot. Check out the girls Ascent Adeal to combat the T-bars parents. Boys – Clarks and Ascent are the 2 that will cover the myriad of shapes, widths, depth. Please contact me for expert fitting at a retail level for all shoes.
Rick Osler – Podiatrist SSPC
Terms and Conditions
All appointments will be with Podiatrist Rick Osler at SSPC East Bentleigh on Tuesday 19th January between 10am to 7pm.
Offer is valid until all appointments are booked out. Note: very limited spaces are also available on Monday 18th January.
All patients will be “bulk billed” (no Gap) through their private health insurance under Podiatry. For those without health insurance or Podiatry cover, a $44 fee is payable. Please check with your health insurance provider if you are in doubt regarding Podiatry cover.
Call 9570 8538 and mention Back to School Podiatry Special.
